Superfast broadband for all homes is still the aim

Government assurances that all households in the UK will one day have access to fast broadband have been welcomed by Boston and Skegness MP Matt Warman.

Following reports raising concerns about this issue, a group of MPs met with the Digital Economy Minister Ed Vaizey to get reassurances about the continued roll out of superfast broadband, particularly to rural areas.

The Minister confirmed that the Government’s Broadband Universal Service Obligation, vital for the final five per cent of homes across the UK not yet connected, would set a target for speeds of 10mbps – the speed needed to meet the demands of today’s typical family and small business.

In Lincolnshire, over 90 per cent of homes and businesses already have access to superfast broadband, thanks to the Onlincolnshire partnership, led by the county council and BT. The project is now planning to extend superfast coverage beyond 95 per cent by the end of 2017.

Mr Warman said: “I was pleased to meet with the Minister to hear more about his plans for implementing the Government’s Universal Service Obligation, and it is welcome news that this is still very much on the agenda.

“I look forward to further consultation on this issue in the coming months. I know many residents and businesses in Boston and Skegness will want to take part in it to share their views on the importance of connecting rural locations to superfast internet.”